Liverpool confirmed on Thursday that they have parted company with manager Rafael Benitez.
Managing director Christian Purslow and the club’s ambassador and former manager Kenny Dalglish, will begin the search for a replacement.
The club said no timescale has been placed on the process.
“Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul,” chairman Martin Broughton said.
“But after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.” Benitez joined Liverpool in the summer of 2004 and led them to Champions League glory the following summer.
The Spaniard helped Liverpool finish second in 2008/09 but they struggled last season, finishing seventh and missed out on a place in the Champions League.
Arguments over how much money he had to spend under the owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, caused rankles at Anfield and the Spaniard’s future had long been the subject of discussion.
“It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC,” Benitez said in a statement on the club’s official website. “I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
“I’ll always keep in my heart the good times I’ve had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.”
